The Physician and Alexander's Cure

He ordered the physician to come before him, so he could explain the illness once he had examined him. He asked the physician: what is the root of a sick man's suffering, that makes one weep over pain afterward? The physician told him: whoever eats too much, when he sits at the table, cannot judge his food. A healthy body does not overeat; great is the one who seeks good health. Now I will blend a remedy for you, gathering herbs from every direction. So that you stay healthy through it, and never have to reach for medicine again. It will increase your desires too, so that even when you eat much it does you no harm. You will keep your memory for fine words sharp, and it will build up the blood and marrow in your body. You will become master over your own body, and your heart will grow glad like a joyful spring. It will bring back the color to your face, and give you a clear mind for every task. Your hair will not scatter into gray; it will drive off aging from your life. Alexander said to him: I have never heard of this, nor seen such a thing done for any of the kings. If you carry out this fine remedy, you will be my guide in this world. I will value you with all my soul; you will be safe from any evil doubter's harm. He prepared robes of honor and rewards for him, and raised his head above the learned physicians. The famed physician went to the mountains, taking a group with him. His share of wisdom was great; he could tell poison from its antidote. He gathered many mountain herbs and threw away all that was useless. From them he chose the purest antidotes and mixed the medicine as was fitting. He cleansed the king's body with the mountain remedy and kept him healthy for years. It went so far that he slept little at night, mingling in joy with everyone. He was eager for the company of women, always seeking a soft resting place beside them. But the king began to waste away, paying no attention at all to his body. It happened that one day the physician came and read the signs of decline in his tears. He told him: from lying with women too much, a young man surely grows old before his time. I believe you went three nights without sleep; tell me the truth and speak. Alexander said: I am fine; my body suffers no weakness from any ailment. The wise sage of India was not satisfied with this in his heart. When dark night fell, he searched his writings and brought the exact remedy for the wasting. That night too Alexander slept alone, taking no moonlike beauty as his mate. At dawn the physician came in with the sunrise; he looked and saw the king's tears were dry. He threw the medicine away and sat down in delight, gladly taking a cup in his hand. He ordered a feast laid out, and called for a lute player and wine. The king said to him: why did you pour it out, when you had blended the remedy with such effort? He answered: the king of the world took no mate last night; through the dark night he slept alone. When you sleep alone, O sovereign, no medicine of mine is of any use to you. Alexander laughed and was gladdened by him, freed from worry and from pain. After that he cheered the wise man's heart, saying: may the world never be without India. The great men and the astrologers, you would say the whole flock had gone off to India. Then the physician came back to his own house, and all night long prepared his cure. When the bright lamp rose over the mountains and the plains and meadows glowed like the sea, Alexander came to the court, his lips full of laughter, his heart cleared of grief. The chamberlain saw the messenger, questioned him, and led him before the king. The king ordered a purse of gold coins, a black horse, and a golden bridle, and gave them to the wise physician, saying: may wisdom always be the companion of your pure judgment.